EDD phone claim filing when ID.me verification keeps failing - need direct number!

u need to call 833-978-2511 but u gotta call right at 8am. they dont have a seprate # for filing claims by phone anymore, its all the same number now

The ID.me issues are unfortunately very common. For the selfie verification, try these steps: 1. Use a solid neutral background (white wall is best) 2. Make sure your entire face is visible and well-lit from the front 3. Remove glasses, hats, or anything covering your face 4. Hold the phone at eye level, not from below 5. If using WiFi, try switching to cellular data If you absolutely need to file by phone, the main EDD number (833-978-2511) is correct, but timing is everything. Try calling at 8:01am exactly, or alternatively around 10:30am or 2:15pm when there are sometimes shorter queues.

I had the exact same problem last month with ID.me. What finally worked for me was using their video chat verification option. Look for the "Verify with an ID.me Trusted Referee" option on the ID.me screen when it fails. You'll have to wait in a queue (took me about 40 minutes), but a live person will help you verify your identity through video chat instead of the automated system. If you absolutely must file by phone, there's a trick I learned from a friend. Use Claimyr to get through to EDD on the phone - it's a service that basically keeps dialing for you until it gets through, then calls you when an agent is on the line. They have a demo video here: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km. I was skeptical but it actually worked when I needed to ask about my pending payments. Their website is claimyr.com if you want to check it out.

When I had issues with ID.me, I found out you can also submit documents through their document upload option instead of the selfie thing. I uploaded my drivers license and passport and it worked for me.

The phone number confusion is a mess, but here's what you need to know for 2025: - There is NO separate number just for filing claims anymore - 833-978-2511 is the correct main number (Mon-Fri 8am-5pm) - For technical help with UI Online or ID.me: 855-327-7057 (limited hours) - For disability claims (different from unemployment): 800-480-3287 The tech support number might actually be helpful for your ID.me issues, but they can't file your claim. Only regular EDD agents can do that. If ID.me continues to fail, remember you can also file a claim by mail using the paper application as a last resort. You can download the DE 1101I form from the EDD website. It takes longer but might be your best option if technology keeps failing you.

That ID.me garbage is THE WORST!!! I had to try 23 TIMES before it worked!! The EDD is TERRIBLE for making us use that broken system!! I finally got through after trying at 5am when internet traffic was lower. And yes the wait time for the video verification is always 2+ HOURS don't bother!!!

Quick update on my earlier comment - I asked around and found out there's actually a specific way to get through to an ID.me specialist at EDD (not the ID.me company itself). When you call the main EDD number (833-978-2511), immediately press 1, then 2, then 4. This should route you to technical support that can help with ID.me issues specifically, though they may still have long wait times. And if you manage to get through to anyone at EDD, make sure to ask them about filing your claim over the phone while you have them - they can transfer you to the right department once you're in the system.

jus wanna say good luck man. been there with the id.me nightmare... took me almost 3 weeks to get my claim filed because of it. system is broken

UPDATE: The video chat with ID.me referee finally worked! I had to wait about an hour but the person was actually really helpful. They got me verified and I was able to complete my claim online. Thanks everyone for all your suggestions - especially about the video chat option! Now I just have to wait and see if they approve my claim.